Despite extensive studies on flat homogeneous surfaces, recent advances in micro/nanofabrication and coating technologies have enabled the emergence of nanoengineered surfaces with heterogeneous topography and wettability. A fundamental understanding of the liquid wetting behaviors on these surfaces is important for various applications including thermal management, microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip devices, and anti-icing materials.

     At the AECR Lab, we are dedicated to exploring the variation in surface wettability due to structural topography and chemical heterogeneity in the phase change process. These studies cannot only help to expand our knowledge boundaries of interfacial heat and mass transport, but also provide insights into other research topics in our lab, for example, directional droplet manipulation, condensation, dehumidification, anti-icing, and desalination.

     Interactions between liquids and solids are ubiquitous in nature. The wettability of solid surfaces is typically characterized by the wetting angle of a liquid droplet resting on the solid surface.